<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=2EzFSF_1H1rEzgF00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2EzFSF_1H1rEzgF00" width="1200" height="675" ><figcaption>Mar 28, 2026; San Jose, CA, USA; Purdue Boilermakers head coach Matt Painter reacts in the second half against the Arizona Wildcats during an Elite Eight game of the West Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: Eakin H… | Source: Lastwordonsports.com - Kaleb Kraus</figcaption></figure>The Purdue Boilermakers have been one of the more successful programs in the Big Ten in recent years. Then again, they have had All-American players both in the post and at point guard. The time of success appears to be a bit in the rearview for Purdue, at least so far this season. When you have a run of four years with a historic point guard like Braden Smith was for the Boilermakers, the moment that player is gone, it makes things hard to replace.So far in 2026-27, it's very clear that Purdue is taking a big step back this season.Purdue Is Looking For A New Alpha<figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=3RT6Fu_1H1rEzgF00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3RT6Fu_1H1rEzgF00" width="960" height="640" ><figcaption>Nov 9, 2026; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Purdue Boilermakers center Daniel Jacobsen (12) dunks the ball in front of Illinois State Redbirds forward Noah Cleveland (0) during the second half at Mackey Arena. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure>Sure, a team isn't always going to be able to have a superstar player each and every time they move on. Which is clearly the case thus far for Purdue. Smith was special, as was Fletcher Loyer; they did win a lot of games together. Both graduated and left behind pretty strong legacies. Those were a pair of big-time bucket-getters for the Boilermakers for each of the last four seasons.Then again, it feels like it's a similar situation to when Memphis Grizzlies center Zach Edey graduated from Purdue; they had to find a new answer in the post. For the last few seasons, that was Trey Kaufman-Renn. Well, he also graduated, but despite being drafted in the 2026 NBA Draft, he chose to pursue another season of college ball. Kaufman-Renn entered the transfer portal and joined the Kansas Jayhawks.Right now it feels like the Boilermakers could really use his presence and experience. Especially since they started the season 0-2, for the first time since 1976. They have since rebounded with their first win of the season. However, in stretches in both their clash with Gonzaga and then in the double overtime duel with Valparaiso, Purdue just couldn't find a way to make big shots, especially from deep.Purdue just doesn't seem to have that alpha yet, especially a floor leader and point guard like Smith was.Jacobsen Answering The CallDaniel Jacobsen is finally getting the chance to prove himself as the centerpiece for Purdue. In fact, the seven-foot-four center has had a great start to the 2026-27 season. He's averaging 23.3 points and eight rebounds so far this season. Sure, they have only played three games thus far, but it sure looks like Jacobsen is going to be the alpha much like Edey was for much of his career. That's a good sign for Purdue, as they have plenty more work to do, especially if the three-point shooting and defensive struggles continue.It's great to have an established post player, but if Purdue can't get one of their guards to give his best Smith impression, or at least show signs that they can, then Purdue is in for a long season.Last Word on PurduePurdue has a great ball coach in Matt Painter, but the lapses the team has when they graduate four-year players just don't always seem to work. It's kind of what's made them slip up after having control of the conference throughout the program's history. Painter is the second-longest tenured coach in the Big Ten behind Michigan State's Tom Izzo. Which is where we have to circle back to how he has stayed so successful. Izzo always has that next great guard.Sure, Painter seems to be able to do that with bigs, but to be in this current situation where they go from the NCAA's all-time leader in assists to not having that next guy ready in the wings seems a bit suspect, honestly. Thus, it makes the case for Purdue taking a step back in 2026-27 that much more valid. We've already seen what can go wrong, especially dropping a home game to Valparaiso.Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images</div></body>

Show less about: NBA

Block Source: Yahoo Sports

Misinformation

Clickbait

Old or repetitive news

Explicit content

Location not relevant

The Purdue Boilermakers have been one of the more successful programs in the Big Ten in recent years. Then again, they have had All-American players both in the post and at point guard. The time of success appears to be a bit in the rearview for Purdue, at least so far this season. When you have a run of four years with a historic point guard like Braden Smith was for the Boilermakers, the moment that player is gone, it makes things hard to replace.

Purdue Basketball Taking A Step Back In 2026-27

NewsBreak

The Purdue Boilermakers have been one of the more successful programs in the Big Ten in recent years. Then again, they have had All-American players both i

Purdue Basketball Taking A Step Back In 2026-27

Comments